Be informed: Comprehensive list of dangerous chemicals you must avoid

Manufacturers of food and body products deliberately add toxic chemicals to their merchandise, putting the general public at risk of certain adverse health conditions. Organic food and skin care product manufacturer PureZing! has listed some of the most commonly used toxic chemicals in commercial goods, which include hormone disruptors, carcinogens, and contaminates.

People should be careful in between bites

Here are some examples of the most toxic chemicals found in food products:

Genetically modified organism (GMO) — Many manufacturers still add GMOs during production. GMOs are banned in many countries for use in food products due to limited safety data. However, GMO foods are not labeled as such in the U.S.

High fructose corn syrup — It is no secret that the sweet additive adds unwanted calories to the body, which in turn raises the odds of obesity. High fructose corn syrup is tied to a plethora of adverse cardiometabolic conditions such as high triglyceride levels, Type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. This sweetener also accelerates blood coagulation that promotes aging.

Aluminum — Traces of this toxic metal can be found in processed foods, pickles, cheese, and baking soda. Heavy aluminum accumulation in the body was tied to increased odds of Alzheimer’s disease.

Aspartame — Aspartame is a genetically-engineered synthetic sugar substitute. The hazardous compound is linked to incidents of headache, dizziness, and seizures in consumers. Experts infer that aspartame can alter the brain’s function, which in turn triggers behavioral changes.

BHA and BHT — These carcinogenic preservatives are mostly used in food products that contain oil as they defer rancidity. These compounds are banned in other countries, but are still used by food manufacturers in the U.S.

Diacetyl — Diacetyl is a flavorful additive that tastes like butter. This chemical, commonly added in microwave popcorn, is found to cause a fatal lung condition called bronchiolitis obliterans.

Hydrogenated/partially hydrogenated oils — These oils are packed with trans fat. Exposure to these poisons may spur short-term effects such as obesity, and long-term adverse health conditions such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis.

Body, skin products are killing you from the inside out

The list also included some of the most toxic chemicals added to body and skin care products.

Formaldehyde — Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and neurotoxin. Many body and skin care products — such as toothpaste, hairspray, baby shampoo, nail polish, bubble bath, and deodorant — contain formaldehyde. The toxic chemical is associated with edema, chemical pneumonitis, and spasms.

Bisphenol A — Better known as BPA, this toxic compound is a notorious endocrine disruptor and is associated with a myriad of diseases including early onset puberty, infertility, and negative brain alterations. BPA’s endocrine-disrupting property is also known to promote obesity, heart disease, and breast cancer. Most plastic products such as food containers, water bottles, and baby bottles contain BPA.

Coal tar dyes — These carcinogenic dyes are commonly found in toothpaste, dandruff shampoo, hair dye, and bubble bath, to name a few. These color additives are also associated with several severe medical conditions such as multiple myeloma, Hodgkin’s disease, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Hydroquinone — This highly-potent poison was banned in the U.K., but is still used in the U.S. Hydroquinone can be found in hair dyes and skin lightening products. This chemical modifies the skin’s natural structure and inhibits melanin production. This makes users of skin care products more susceptible to skin cancer.

Phthalates — These compounds are commonly seen in vinyl flooring, children’s toys, perfume and plastic wallpaper. Phthalate accumulation was proven to cause damage in the liver, kidney, lungs and the reproductive system.